Sage Scott, an eighth grade student at Jacobsen Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Tehachapi Lions Club.

Scott's poster was among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 30th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

"It is my hope that my drawing, Love Knows No Borders, will encourage mankind to love one another and see past each other's differences", the 13 year old from Tehachapi said. The poster was selected by the members of the Tehachapi Lions Club for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, "The Future of Peace." The judging was held on Nov. 2 during the Lions dinner meeting at the Tehachapi SENIOR CENTER.

Tehachapi Lions Club President Vicki Satalino said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Jacobsen Middle School and Valley Oaks Charter School. "It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I'm so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions."

"Scott's poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner," Satalino said.

One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to an award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

"Our club is cheering for Sage as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world," Satalino said.

At the local club contest level, two other students participated in the contest. The Tehachapi Lions Club would like to thank the 2017 Peace Poster Contestants and their families. The Lions and their guests enjoyed hearing each contestant's unique vision of peace that was reflected in their poster. The Lions are proud to announce the results of the contest: 1st Place ($25) Sage Scott an 8th grader at Jacobsen Middle School, 2nd Place ($15) Mya Quarles a 6th grader at Jacobsen Middle School, 3rd Place ($10) Saida Woolf a 9th grader at Valley Oaks Charter School. The 2nd and 3rd place posters will be on display at the Tehachapi Library through the end of December.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.

Look for the upcoming high school Student Speaker Contest, which will take place in February. This year's topic is: "Integrity and Civility Play What Role in Today's Society?". Participating students can earn more than $20,000 in scholarships. To find out more about this contest, contact Eva at: evahebebrand@att.net.